Security barrier apparatus

ABSTRACT

Security barrier apparatus ( 10 ) comprising a support ( 12, 14 ) and a barrier member ( 18, 20 ) movable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position, the support ( 12, 14 ) having an upper part ( 16 ) for positioning substantially at ground level. The barrier member ( 18, 20 ) has at least two telescopic posts one within the other, the inner post ( 20 ) being lowermost in the deployed position. A linkage is provided between an outer post ( 18 ) and the inner post ( 20 ). In use, motion of the outer post ( 18 ) between the stowed position and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of the inner post ( 20 ).

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a U.S. national stage of and claims priority benefitto prior filed international application no. PCT/GB2016/000140, filedJul. 26, 2016, and which claims priority to British national applicationno. 1514970.1, filed Aug. 24, 2015. These prior filed applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a security barrier apparatus, and a method foroperation thereof.

BACKGROUND

A security barrier or bollard may be used for resisting an unauthorisedpassage of a vehicle such as a car or a lorry. Such barriers typicallycomprise a support with a barrier member or post mounted to it. Thesupport may be cast into concrete foundations below ground level, or itmay be surface mounted above the ground level. The barrier member orpost is typically arranged to be retractable so that it can be stowedrelative to the support to allow the vehicle to pass, or deployed to aworking position to prevent or inhibit the vehicle to pass.

Security bathers or bollards are typically provided in two categories.The first category is a high security bather, or anti-terrorist barrier,that is intended to prevent a vehicle from passing. Such a barrier isrobustly constructed and is typically about 1-1.5 meters above groundlevel. A high security bather might be used at a road entrance to anairport or an official building, such as a Government building, and istypically able to withstand a crash impact from a car or lorry. Thesecond category of security barrier might be used at a home or workpremises to safeguard a car parking space or driveway from being used byan unauthorised vehicle. Such barriers are relatively less robustlyconstructed, and may extend up to one meter above ground level.

It is known to provide a security bollard or post which is pivotable ona support between a vertical position and a horizontal position. Thesupport may be surface mounted on the ground, or it may be cast into aconcrete foundation within the ground. Such arrangements have thedisadvantage that the security bollard or post may form a trap hazardwith the ground as it moves to the stowed position, which may representa safety risk.

It is also known to provide a security bollard or post which is movablerelative to a housing between a vertical position above ground and avertical position below ground. Such arrangements have the problem ofrequiring a deep foundation for the housing for the post, which must beat least as deep as the height of the bollard above ground. Using such adeep foundation is disadvantageous, particularly in an urbanenvironment, because it may interfere with services such as power lines,drains, or communication cables. In an alternative arrangement the postis telescopic so that the foundations for the housing are not requiredto be as deep. The telescopic post tapers towards a top and has aplurality of posts one within the other. Such security bollards or postsgenerally represent less of a safety hazard than the pivotable securitybollard or post because there is no trap hazard, but they may be morecostly and complex. Furthermore, such a telescopic post may not be verystrong.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or moreof the above mentioned disadvantages of previously known securitybathers.

SUMMARY

What is required is a security bather apparatus that can be deployed andretracted, which may reduce or minimise at least some of theabove-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided asecurity bather apparatus, comprising a support and a bather membermovable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployedposition, the support having an upper part for positioning substantiallyat ground level, the bather member having at least two telescopic postsone within the other, wherein an inner is lowermost in the deployedposition, and a linkage is provided between an outer post and the innerpost whereby, in use, motion of the outer post between the stowedposition and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of theinner post.

Such an apparatus provides the advantage that, in view of its “reversetelescopic” configuration, it provides a much stronger bather or“bollard” than a conventional telescopic post, which operates like a“car aerial”. Such a security barrier apparatus may be configured tosubstantially prevent a vehicle from passing or to safeguard a carparking space or driveway from being used by an unauthorised vehicle. Atleast in some embodiments, the barrier is suited for stopping a 7.5tonne truck travelling at 80 km/h; it is a very strong “truck stopper”which is mounted shallowly in the ground. Said motion of the outer postmay cause said corresponding motion of the inner post for substantiallyall of or part of said motion of the outer post.

Preferably, in the deployed position, an upper end of the inner post isdisposed a predetermined distance from a lower end of the outer postsuch that the inner post is at least partially below the upper part.Preferably the predetermined distance is (i) in the range 40-60%, (ii)in the range 45-55%, (iii) in the range 48-52% or (iv) 50%, of thelength of the outer post. Such an arrangement provides an improvedconnection of the barrier member to the ground when deployed, whichimproves the overall strength of the security barrier apparatus.

Preferably the outer post includes a base plate, the base plateextending transverse to the to axis of elongation of the outer post.Preferably the base plate is at or near the lower end of the outer post.Preferably, the base plate is disposed at ground level when in thedeployed position. Such a base plate may improve the connection of thebarrier member to the support.

Preferably the support comprises a barrier housing.

Preferably the bather housing includes a lower surface supporting alower end of the outer post and/or a lower end of the inner post when inthe stowed position. The lower surface provides the advantage of anabutment or stop for the inner post and/or the outer post.

Preferably the outer post and/or the inner post are substantiallycontained within the barrier housing when in the stowed position.

Preferably the inner post includes an end plate at a lower end thereof,the end plate extending transverse to the axis of elongation of theinner post. Such an end plate may improve the connection of the barriermember to the support.

In one embodiment the support comprises a drive housing, the interior ofthe drive housing being contiguous or separate with that of the barrierhousing.

In one embodiment the security barrier apparatus further includes adrive device operable to provide movement of the barrier member relativeto the support.

Preferably the drive device is attachable to the barrier member with aconnection mechanism. In one embodiment the connection mechanismincludes a first connection device, for converting rotational movementwithin the drive housing into rotational movement within the batherhousing.

Preferably the first connection device comprises respective wheelswithin the drive housing and the bather housing linked by a flexibleloop, belt or cord. Preferably the flexible loop, belt or cord comprisesa cable, a solid belt or a toothed belt.

Preferably the connection mechanism includes a second connection device,for converting rotational movement within the bather housing into linearmovement of the outer post. Preferably the second connection devicecomprises a rack and pinion mounted in the bather housing.

In another embodiment the connection mechanism comprises at least onewheel within the drive housing and at least one flexible loop, belt orcord being attached between a lower part of the outer post and saidwheel. Preferably at least one wheel is provided within the barrierhousing at an upper region thereof, the flexible loop, belt, or cordbeing arranged to pass around said wheel. Such an arrangement mayprovide a simple arrangement for converting rotational movement withinthe barrier housing into linear movement of the outer post.

Preferably the drive device comprises a rotational electric motor.

In one embodiment the linkage comprises cooperating shoulders on each ofthe inner post and the outer post. Such shoulders provide a ready way tooperate the inner post.

In another embodiment the linkage comprises at least one connecting rod,belt or cord between the inner post and the outer post. Preferably theat least one connecting rod, belt or cord is between respective upperend caps of the inner post and the outer post. Such an arrangement mayassist with assembly of the barrier apparatus.

In one embodiment the security barrier apparatus further includes aprotruding or retractable handle on the outer post, enabling pulling bya user into the deployed position. With such an arrangement the drivedevice may be omitted.

Preferably the security barrier apparatus further includes a reinforcingbar extending along all or part of the length of the inner post. Thereinforcing bar provides additional strength to the inner post andimproves the connection thereof to the ground when deployed, whichimproves the overall strength of the security barrier apparatus.

Preferably the reinforcing bar extends along (i) 60-100%, (ii) 70-100%or 80-100%, of the length of the inner post.

Preferably the reinforcing bar is fixedly attached to the interior ofthe inner post.

Preferably the security barrier apparatus further includes a releasablelatch, for retaining to the security barrier apparatus in the deployedposition.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof operating a security bather apparatus comprising a support and abarrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed positionand a deployed position, the support having an upper part forpositioning substantially at ground level, the bather member having atleast two telescopic posts one within the other, the inner beinglowermost in the deployed position, the method including: providing alinkage between an outer post and the inner post whereby, in use, motionof the outer post between the stowed position and the deployed positioncauses corresponding motion of the inner post, operating the apparatusbetween the stowed position where the outer post is disposed belowground, and the deployed position where the outer post is disposed aboveground.

Such a method provides the advantage that, in view of its “reversetelescopic” configuration, a much stronger bather or “bollard” than aconventional telescopic post, which operates like a “car aerial”, may bereadily moved into and out of deployment, while being shallow mounted.Such a security bather apparatus may be configured to substantiallyprevent a vehicle from passing or to safeguard a car parking space ordriveway from being used by an unauthorised vehicle. At least in someembodiments, the barrier is suited for stopping a 7.5 tonne trucktravelling at 80 km/h; it is a very strong “truck stopper” which ismounted shallowly in the ground. Said motion of the outer post may causesaid corresponding motion of the inner post for substantially all of orpart of said motion of the outer post.

Preferably, the method further includes operating the apparatus so thatthe security barrier apparatus is releasably retained in the deployedposition.

According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there isprovided a security bather apparatus, comprising a support and a barriermember movable relative to the support between a stowed position and adeployed position, the support having an upper part for positioningsubstantially at ground level, the barrier member having at least twoposts one within the other, wherein an inner post is lowermost in thedeployed position, and an outer post is movable to the deployed positionabove the upper part such that it engages the inner post and moves it tothe deployed position at least partially above the upper part.

According to another alternative characterisation of the invention thereis provided a security bather apparatus, comprising a support and abather member movable relative to the support between a stowed positionand a deployed position, the support having an upper part forpositioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having atleast two posts one within the other, wherein an inner post is lowermostin the deployed position, and wherein in the deployed position an upperend of the inner post is disposed a predetermined distance from a lowerend of the outer post such that the inner post is at least partiallybelow the upper part.

According to another alternative characterisation of the invention thereis provided a security barrier apparatus, comprising a support and abarrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed positionand a deployed position, the support having an upper part forpositioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having atleast two posts one within the other, wherein an inner post is lowermostin the deployed position, and an upper end of the inner post is disposeda predetermined distance from a lower end of the outer post in thedeployed position such that a mid-region of the inner post is level withthe upper part.

According to another alternative characterisation of the invention thereis provided a security barrier apparatus, comprising a support and abarrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed positionand a deployed position, the support having an upper part forpositioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having atleast two posts one within the other, wherein in the stowed position theposts are nested relative to each other below the upper part, and in thedeployed position an upper end of the inner post is disposed apredetermined distance from a lower end of the outer post such that amid-region of the inner post is adjacent with the upper part with aninner post being lowermost.

According to another alternative characterisation of the invention thereis provided a security bather apparatus, comprising a support and abarrier member movable relative to the support between a stowed positionand a deployed position, the support having an upper part forpositioning substantially at ground level, the barrier member having atleast two posts, wherein an inner post is lowermost in the deployedposition, and an outer post is substantially above the upper part in thedeployed position such that there is an overlap between the inner postand the outer post in the deployed position, the outer post beingoperable to engage the inner post to move it to the deployed position.

Any preferred or optional features of one aspect or characterisation ofthe invention may be a preferred or optional feature of other aspects orcharacterisations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a security bather apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the security barrier apparatus shownin FIG. 1, from an alternative angle;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the security bather apparatus shown in FIGS.1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic lateral view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 shows a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 5 with asidewall of a bather housing omitted;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 with part of anouter post omitted;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 showing half ofthe apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the deployed position;and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a security barrier apparatus, generally designated 10. Thesecurity bather apparatus 10 includes a bather housing 12 comprising ahollow elongate body of square or rectangular cross-section. The batherhousing 12 is suitable made of steel; however, it will be appreciatethat other materials may be used.

In this embodiment, the security bather apparatus 10 includes a drivehousing 14 in which an electric motor 16 is housed, as will be describedin further detail hereinafter. In this embodiment, where the batherhousing 12 and drive housing 14 abut, for most or all of the area ofabutment, the respective walls of the bather housing 12 and drivehousing 14 are absent, such that the internal space of the batherhousing 12 is contiguous with that of the drive housing 14. In anotherembodiment, where the barrier housing 12 and drive housing 14 abut, formost or all of the area of abutment, the respective walls of the barrierhousing 12 and drive housing 14 are present, such that the internalspace of the bather housing 12 is separate with that of the drivehousing 14.

In this embodiment, the security barrier apparatus 10 includes two poststelescopically arranged such that there is an outer post 18 and an innerpost 20. However, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the artthat, in alternative embodiments, three or more telescoped posts may beused. The outer post 18 includes an endcap 22, attached to outer post 18by riveting or welding. Suitably, the outer post 18 and the inner post20 are made of steel or high strength steel. Alternatively, the outerpost 18 and the inner to post 20 are made of plastics material.

Preferably, the outer post 18 includes a base plate 24 extendingtransverse to the axis of elongation of the outer post 18. In use, whenthe security barrier apparatus 10, and thus the outer post 18, are in adeployed position (as depicted in FIG. 1), the base plate 24 is disposedsubstantially aligned with ground level, corresponding to the level of aground plate (not shown) attached within a ground frame 26 of thesecurity bather apparatus 10, as described in further detailhereinafter.

In one embodiment, the inner post 20 also includes an end plate 28extending transverse to the axis of elongation of the inner post 20.

The base plate 24 and/or the end plate 28 may include slots 30 in 1, 2or 4 edges thereof, for permitting movement of the base plate 24 and/orthe end plate 28 past pulley wheels (not shown) mounted on respectiveinternal walls of barrier housing 12.

FIG. 1 depicts the security bather apparatus 10 in a deployed positionsuch that both posts 18, 20 are substantially vertical. When in a stowedposition, after lowering of outer post 18 and inner post 20, end plate28 is supported on a lower surface 32 inside barrier housing 12, and theendcap 22 is substantially at ground level. Both posts 18, 20 are alsosubstantially vertical in the stowed position.

Also shown in FIG. 1 are two reinforcing members 15 which are betweentop edges of the barrier housing 12 and the drive housing 14. Thereinforcing members 15 are of solid steel and operate to transfer animpact load to a rear of the drive housing 14 in the event of an impactfrom a vehicle in the direction indicated by arrow 17.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the security barrier apparatus 10shown in FIG. 1, from an alternative angle. In FIG. 2 like features tothe arrangements of FIG. 1 are shown with like reference numerals. InFIG. 2, there is depicted a rear ground plate 33 mounted in the groundframe 26 and permitting sealing of the drive housing 14 as well asaccess to the motor 16 for maintenance A forward ground plate (coveringthe bather housing 12 and having a circular aperture permitting movementtherethrough of outer post 18) has been omitted from FIG. 2.

As will be described in further detail hereafter, the security barrierapparatus 10 includes pairs of pulley wheels (two in this embodiment),including a first pair of pulley wheels 34, 36 and a second pair ofpulley wheels 38, 40. In an alternative embodiment, using lightweightmaterials, a single pair of pulley wheels 34, 36 may be used. Inoperation, a loop in the form of a cable or belt is passed around thepulley wheels of each pair, whereby rotational motion may be transmittedfrom motor 16 (which directly drives pulley wheels 34, 38 within thedrive housing 14) to pulley wheels 36, 40 within the barrier housing 12.The belt may comprise a toothed or non-toothed belt. The pulley wheels34, 36, 38, 40 may comprise toothed or non-toothed wheels. In oneembodiment, the belt is of the type used as a “cambelt” in anautomobile.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the security bather apparatus 10 shown inFIG. 1. In FIG. 3 like features to the arrangements of FIG. 1 are shownwith like reference to numerals. In FIG. 3, the alignment of the firstpair of pulley wheels 34, 36 and a second pair of pulley wheels 38, 40is shown, permitting power transfer by the aforementioned loop.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the security barrier apparatus 10 shown inFIG. 1. In FIG. 4 like features to the arrangements of FIG. 1 are shownwith like reference numerals. In FIG. 4, the direct mounting of the(driven) pulley wheels 34, 38 is shown, and also the alignment thereofwith the other pulley wheels 36, 40 within the barrier housing.

In FIG. 4, the security bather apparatus 10 is shown in the deployedposition, with the outer post 18 above ground level. In order to move tothis position from the stowed position (in which the end plate 28 ofinner post 20 is supported on lower surface 32), drive is applied topulley wheels 36, 40 via the cable or belt. In turn, a pinion (notshown), mounted on the inner surface of barrier housing 12 (one on eachsurface 42, 44) and driven by pulley wheels 36, 40, engages with anddrives a respective rack (not shown) fixedly attached to a respectivepart of outer post 18.

Preferably, a linkage is provided between the outer post 18 and theinner post 20 whereby, when the former is driven by the rack and pinion(not shown), upward motion of the outer post 18 causes correspondingmotion of the inner post 20 in an upward direction. The linkage maycomprise cooperating shoulders (not shown) on each of the outer post 18and the inner post 20. To move the security barrier apparatus 10 out ofthe deployed position and into the stowed position, the direction ofdrive of the motor 16 is to reversed, whereby cooperating shoulders (notshown) on each of the outer post 18 and the inner post 20 cause theouter post 18 to pull or move the inner post 20 downward.

In an alternative arrangement to the rack and pinion, the cable or beltdirectly lifts the outer post 18. With such an arrangement one end ofthe cable or belt is connected to one side of the base plate 24 of theouter post 18, and then passes around the pulley wheel 36 and then tothe pulley wheel 34. Another cable or belt is connected to another sideof the base plate 24 of the outer post 18, and then passes around thepulley wheel 40 and then to the pulley wheel 38. Rotation of the pulleywheels 34, 38 then pulls on the cables or belts to lift the outer post18. When about half of the outer post 18 is above ground the shouldersof the inner post 20 and the outer post 18 engage each other such thatcontinued lifting of the outer post 18 causes lifting of the inner post20 until the security barrier apparatus 10 is in the deployed position.In effect the outer post 18 picks up the inner post 20 as the outer post18 is moved upwards. The shoulders might be plates secured to each post.When the security barrier apparatus 10 is operated to the stowedposition the outer post 18 is moved downwards, which also moves theinner post 20 downwards until the end plate 28 contacts the lowersurface 32 and the shoulders of the posts 18, 20 disengage each other.The outer post 18 is then moved to the stowed position. When two suchbelts or cables are provided for moving the outer post 18 an adjustmentdevice may be provided for adjusting the tension of one or both of thebelts so that they both operate at the substantially the same point tolift the outer post 18. The belt may be a fibre reinforced belt or anyother type of reinforced belt.

As seen in FIG. 4, in order to provide additional strength to the outerpost 18 and thus the inner post 20 when in the deployed position, theinner post 20 may have mounted thereon or therein a reinforcing bar 46,for example by welding or bolting. In one embodiment, reinforcing bar 46comprises multiple metal (e.g. high strength steel) bars 47, 48, 49, 51,53, 55 attached in a laminated manner, for example by welding orbolting.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the security barrier apparatus 10 shown inFIG. 1. In FIG. 5 like features to the arrangements of FIG. 1 are shownwith like reference numerals. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the depth“h” of the barrier housing 12 is at least slightly greater than each ofthe depth “o” of the outer post 18 and the depth “i” of the inner post20, such that the outer post 18 and the inner post 20 may be stowedwithin the barrier housing 12. The outer post 18 is substantially thesame length as the inner post 20. In the stowed position the inner post20 is substantially entirely within the outer post 18.

In addition, in a deployed position, in order to provide additionalstrength to the outer post 18, the inner post 20 extends a distancewithin the former, whereby the extent of overlap “p” is preferably inthe range 40-60% of the length of the outer post 18. More preferably, itis in the range 45-55% of the length of the outer post 18. Even morepreferably, it is in the range 48-52% of the length of the outer post18. Even more preferably, it is 50% of the length of the outer post 18.

In embodiments, in a deployed position, the outer post 18 is 1 m aboveground and the inner post 20 is 0.5 m below ground when the securitybarrier apparatus 10 is deployed. The bather housing 12 extends 1 mbelow ground. The security barrier apparatus 10 may be considered a“shallow mount” because the “bollard length” is 1.5 m (when deployed)compared to 1 m depth underground (when stowed).

Overall the security bather apparatus 10 is adapted, at least inembodiments, for stopping a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 80 km/h. Thesecurity barrier apparatus 10 is a relatively massive and very strong“truck stopper” which is shallowly mounted in the ground.

FIG. 6 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of theinvention, generally designated 80. It will be appreciated that thesteps may be performed in a different order, and may not necessarily beperformed in the order shown in FIG. 6.

The method may comprise step 82 of operating the apparatus between adeployed position and stowed position. When it is desired to deploy thebather, the method 80 may comprise step 84 of operating the apparatus sothat movement into deployment is initiated (e.g. the driven pulleywheels 34, 38 are driven by the motor 16). Thereafter is the step 86 ofoperating the apparatus so that rotational motion is transferred fromthe drive housing 14 to the bather housing 12 (e.g. corresponding pulleywheels 36, 40 are rotationally driven via the cable/belt). Next, at step88, rotational motion in the bather housing 12 is converted into linearmotion of the outer post 18 (e.g. it is driven upwards in substantiallya straight line between the stowed and the deployed positions, forexample by the rack and pinion). Simultaneously, linear upward movementbetween the stowed and the deployed positions is transferred (step 90)from the outer post 18 to the inner post 20 (e.g. via the linkage).Finally, once in the deployed position, step 92 is performed to lock theapparatus in the deployed position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 to 5 with asidewall of the bather housing 12 omitted. FIG. 8 is a perspective viewof the apparatus 10 of FIG. 7 with part of the outer post 18 omitted.FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 7 showing halfof the apparatus 10. In FIGS. 7-9 like features to the arrangements ofFIGS. 1-5 are shown with like reference numerals. In FIGS. 7-9 thesecurity barrier apparatus 10 is shown in the deployed position.

In FIG. 8, two connecting rods 94 are shown between the outer post 18and the inner post 20. The two connecting rods 94 for picking up theinner post 20 are an alternative to using the shoulders or the rack andpinion arrangements mentioned above. An upper end of each connecting rod94 is fixedly secured to the endcap 22 of the outer post 18. A lower endof each connecting rod 94 passes through a respective hole 96 in an endcap 98 of the inner post 20. Each lower end of each connecting rod 94has a plate fixedly secured thereto which contacts an under side of theend cap 98 when the outer post 18 is move upwards thereby lifting theinner post 18. The two connecting rods 94 may be steel bars, andcomprise the linkage between the outer post 18 and the inner post 20whereby, upward motion of the outer post 18 causes corresponding motionof the inner post 20 in an upward direction. In other words, when abouthalf of the outer post 18 is above ground the plates at the end of eachconnecting rod 94 engage the underside of the end cap 98 such thatcontinued lifting of the outer post 18 causes lifting of the inner post20 until the security barrier apparatus 10 is in the deployed position.In an alternative arrangement the connecting rods 94 may be cords suchas cables or belts.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 in the deployedposition. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 in thestowed position. In FIGS. 10 and 11 like features to the arrangements ofFIGS. 1-9 are shown with like reference numerals. In FIGS. 10 and 11front and rear reinforcing bars 99 are shown. When the security barrierapparatus 10 is in use, the bather housing 12 is cast into a concretefoundation (not shown) in the ground to that the rear ground plate 33 issubstantially level with the ground. The reinforcing bar extends beyondthe barrier housing 12 and further assists with securing the barrierhousing 12 to the concrete foundations when set. The reinforcing bar isa steel bar having a diameter of 32 mm that is commonly used forreinforced concrete foundations. In FIG. 11 the end cap 22 is shown tobe level with the rear ground plate 33 when the apparatus 10 is in thestowed position.

Whereas the security barrier apparatus 10 described above is describedas being actuated by means of an electric motor 16, it is also envisagedthat the security barrier apparatus 10 might be operated by the usermanually. In this embodiment, the outer post 18 may be provided withhandle (not shown; for example one that is movable between an operatingposition in which it, and therefore the outer post 18, may be pulledupwards by the user to move it into a deployed position, and a storageposition, in which the handle is, for example, flush with a surface ofthe outer post 18). The handle may, for example, be fixed to an upperpart, or to the endcap 22, of outer post 18.

It will be appreciated that the inner post 20 is a key functionalelement of the security barrier 10 to make it much stronger and moreconnected and secure to the housing 12 and the ground. It is envisagedthat only a two piece security barrier apparatus 10 is required (i.e.having the outer post 18 and the inner post 20), but additional postsmay also be included, such as a middle post telescopically mountedbetween the outer post 18 and the inner post 20. Whereas the securitybarrier 10 is described above for use as a “truck stopper” it could beused for a driveway or for a road. When the security barrier 10 isconfigured for a driveway the motor 16 may be omitted and the user mightsimply lift the outer post 18 out of the ground which picks up the innerpost 20. Such a driveway security bather 10 may comprise acorrespondingly more lightweight construction.

In one embodiment a relatively lightweight cover may be provided on theouter post 18. The cover is cosmetic, and may be of plastic or stainlesssteel to provide an improved appearance to the outer post 18 when in thedeployed position. The cover is a sock that covers substantially all ofthe outer post 18. Use of such a cover is possible because the innerpost 20 is movable within the outer post 18, and the inner post 20 islowermost when the security barrier apparatus 10 is in the deployedposition. With such an arrangement an aperture 35 in a top plate 37 ofthe housing may be slightly larger to accommodate the cover so that itis within the housing 12 in the stowed position. It will be appreciatedthat the aperture 35 in the top plate 37 is a hole in the housing 12through which the outer post 18 and inner post 20 can be deployed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A security barrier apparatus comprising: asupport and a barrier member movable relative to the support between astowed position below ground level and a deployed position above groundlevel, the support having an upper part for positioning substantially atground level, the barrier member having at least two telescopic postsone within the other, wherein an inner post is lowermost in the deployedposition, and a linkage is provided between an outer post and the innerpost whereby, in use, motion of the outer post between the stowedposition and the deployed position causes corresponding motion of theinner post.
 2. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the outer post includes a base plate, the base plate extendingtransverse to the axis of elongation of the outer post, the base platebeing at or near the lower end of the post, wherein the base plate isdisposed at ground level when in the deployed position.
 3. A securitybarrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linkage comprisescooperating shoulders on each of the inner post and the outer post.
 4. Asecurity barrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linkagecomprises at least one connecting rod, belt or cord between the innerpost and the outer post.
 5. A security barrier apparatus according toclaim 1, further including a protruding or retractable handle on theouter post, enabling pulling by a user into the deployed position.
 6. Asecurity barrier apparatus according to claim 1, further including areinforcing bar extending along all or part of the length of the innerpost.
 7. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 1, furtherincluding a releasable latch, for retaining the security barrierapparatus in the deployed position.
 8. A security barrier apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein in the deployed position an upper end ofthe inner post is disposed a predetermined distance above a lower end ofthe outer post such that the inner post is at least partially below theupper part of the support.
 9. A security barrier apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range 40-60% ofthe length of the outer post.
 10. A security barrier apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of 45-55%of the length of the outer post.
 11. A security barrier apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is in the rangeof 48-52% of the length of the outer post.
 12. A security barrierapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is50% of the length of the outer post.
 13. A security barrier apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a barrier housing,the barrier housing including a lower surface for supporting a lower endof the outer post and/or a lower end of the inner post when in thestowed position.
 14. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the outer post and/or the inner post are substantially containedwithin the barrier housing when in the stowed position.
 15. A securitybarrier apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the inner post includesan end plate at a lower end thereof, the end plate extending transverseto the axis of elongation of the inner post.
 16. A security barrierapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the support comprises a drivehousing, the interior of the drive housing being contiguous or separatewith that of the barrier housing, and further including a drive deviceoperable to provide movement of the barrier member relative to thesupport, wherein the drive device is attachable to the barrier memberwith a connection mechanism.
 17. A security barrier apparatus accordingto claim 16, wherein the connection mechanism includes a firstconnection device, for converting rotational movement within the drivehousing into rotational movement within the barrier housing.
 18. Asecurity barrier apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the firstconnection device comprises respective wheels within the drive housingand the barrier housing linked by a flexible loop, belt or cord.
 19. Asecurity barrier apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the connectionmechanism includes a second connection device, for converting rotationalmovement within the barrier housing into linear movement of the outerpost.
 20. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 16, whereinthe connection mechanism comprises at least one wheel within the drivehousing and at least one flexible loop, belt or cord being attachedbetween a lower part of the outer post and said wheel.
 21. A securitybarrier apparatus according to claim 20, and further including at leastone wheel within the barrier housing at an upper region thereof, theflexible loop, belt, or cord being arranged to pass around said wheel.22. A method of operating a security barrier apparatus having a supportand a barrier member movable relative to the support between a stowedposition below ground level and a deployed position above ground level,the support having an upper part for positioning substantially at groundlevel, the barrier member having at least two telescopic posts onewithin the other, the method comprising: providing a linkage between anouter post and the inner post whereby, in use, motion of the outer postbetween the stowed position and the deployed position causescorresponding motion of the inner post; and operating the apparatusbetween the stowed position where the outer post is disposed belowground, and the deployed position where the outer post is disposed aboveground and the inner post being lowermost in the deployed position. 23.A method according to claim 22, and further including operating theapparatus so that the security barrier apparatus is releasably retainedin the deployed position.